Tottenham have been landed a blow in their pursuit of Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goretzka, with the Germany international likely to spend a long spell on the sidelines.

The 22-year-old suffered a leg fracture during weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Koln, and his injury could disrupt Spurs’ plans to sign him next month.

Goretzka, a target of Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona, attracted suitors following an impressive campaign last term and a successful outing with Germany at the summer’s Confederations Cup.

ℹ️ Leon #Goretzka has suffered a recurrence of the injury in his lower leg. In order to put these continuous and worsening pains to bed, Leon will undergo examinations over the coming days. #s04pic.twitter.com/erLM6uUc0k

A January switch to the Premier League had appeared to be on card for the young midfielder having rejected a contract extension beyond the end of the campaign, but his injury has put that in great doubt.

Spurs identified Goretzka as a quality addition to a midfield that has been beleaguered with injuries this term, but will now have to search for another target.

The north Londoners need to make few additions to the squad following a domestic campaign that has recently nosedived.